Added 14 Oct 2026, 6-minute read
How to ask for a raise: steps and phrases that work
For most people, the salary conversation is uncomfortable. It usually fails not because they do not deserve more, but because they come without a number, without arguments, and back down at the first objection. Here is how to do it step by step.
1. Pick the right moment
- After a success. A finished project, a good review, a demanding season you handled well.
- When you take on more work. New tasks, training people, covering for someone who left.
- Before budget planning. Many companies decide next year's salaries in the autumn. If you ask in January, you often hear “the budget is already set”.
- Not in a crisis. If your boss is dealing with a problem, wait a few days.
2. Find out how much to ask for
You need a number. Find out what your profession and region pay. In the salary comparison you enter your profession and salary and see whether you earn less or more than others.
- Name a specific amount, not “could you add something”.
- Know the lowest amount you would be happy with, and ask for a bit more. Your boss will almost always negotiate down.
- Talk about gross monthly salary, that is how salaries are discussed in Czech companies.
3. Write down your arguments
The strongest argument is what you have delivered. Not “I try hard” or “I have been here long”, but concrete results:
- what you finished, saved or improved, ideally with numbers,
- what you do beyond what you were hired for,
- who you train or help,
- what similar work pays elsewhere.
Personal reasons (a mortgage, higher living costs) are understandable, but for a company they are not a reason to pay more. Stick to what you do.
4. Book a meeting in advance
Do not ask for a raise in passing. Ask for time, for example:
Hi, could we find half an hour this week? I would like to talk about my work and my salary.
5. How to start
Over the last year I have [what you achieved]. I have taken on [new tasks]. I looked at what similar work pays, and I think the right salary for my role is [amount]. I would like to agree on a raise to that amount.
Then stop talking and let your boss respond. Silence is fine.
6. How to answer objections
“There is no budget for it this year.”
“I understand. When is next year's budget planned? I want my raise to be in it, so let's agree when we'll come back to it.”
“Others earn about the same.”
“Let's talk about my work. Over the last year I [concrete result]. I think that is worth a higher salary.”
“Not now, we will see later.”
“What would need to happen for it to work? And when can we come back to it?”
“I need to discuss it higher up.”
“Of course. Would it help if I sent you a summary of what I have delivered? And when can I expect an answer?”
7. If the answer is no
- Ask what would need to happen and when you will come back to it.
- Agree on a specific date, not “some time”.
- Send a short e-mail afterwards summarising what you agreed.
Thank you for today's conversation. As agreed, we will come back to my salary on [date]. Until then I will focus on [what you agreed].
If nothing happens even then, that is information too. Sometimes the only way to a higher salary is a new job.
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